A family of Vedic scholars in Varanasi

Vedic Yagya Foundation grew out of two scholars of Banaras Hindu University and the family that continues their work.

Acharya Ram Janma Mishra — Founder. The late Acharya Ram Janma Mishra founded the Vedic Yagya Foundation. He was Head of the Department of Jyotish at Banaras Hindu University and the author of several books on Vedic astrology. Two years after retiring he was invited to Mauritius, where he led the island's Hindu religious organisations for nineteen years. The Foundation's approach to Jyotish was shaped by him and is followed to this day.

Acharya Vyas Mishra was Head of the Department of Veda at Banaras Hindu University. The late Acharya established the Foundation's yagya practice — the vidhi, the mantras, the discipline of the pandits — and it continues as he set it.

Pandit Vachaspati Mishra, son of Acharya Ram Janma Mishra, has carried the work forward for more than 35 years and heads the Foundation today. He holds the degrees of Acharya and M.A. in Jyotish, and a B.Sc. in Geology (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) from Banaras Hindu University. In 1998 he received diksha from his guru, Acharya Shri Jagannath Pandey of Uttarkashi, a siddha of the Mahavidyas, under whose guidance his own sadhana continues. Since 1991 he has served clients in the USA, Europe and other countries. Every yagya is performed under his supervision, and he personally reviews every horoscope and every yagya recommendation.

The pandits. Twenty-one Vedic brahmins serve at the Foundation's Yagyashala every day. They come from traditional families of Varanasi, were trained in the Veda and Sanskrit from childhood, and are honoured with daily dakshina rather than employed on salary — the traditional way, and the one they consider worthy of their learning. When a yagya calls for more, the Foundation assembles 51, 108 or 151 brahmins; it has conducted yagyas with 108 and 121 brahmins.

The place. The Yagyashala stands in the village of Mudadev, about 10 km from Banaras Hindu University and 12 km from Varanasi Junction (40 km from the airport). It was built for this work: havan kundas, a hall for the pandits, and rooms for visitors who wish to attend their own yagya. Guests from abroad are welcome; please write to us in advance.